Ramprajat Sah's Marigold farm (Photo Feature)

Nepal Views

Dhanusha: Flowers are an integral part of nature. Apart from just having an aesthetic value, it also plays a vital role in the ecosystem.

Not just the ecosystem, but flowers are also a source of bread and butter for the farmers in Dhanusha. Farmers, who adapted floriculture, for their living can be seen enjoying the nurturing of the flowers.

One such farmer is Ramprajat Sah. Sah is from Purnadaha, Mithila Bihari Municipality-2. He has cultivated Marigold flowers commercially on about 8 katthas of his land. The flower is known as “Genda” in the local language.

Around five years ago, Sah brought flower seeds from Patna, India, and started farming. He is delighted with the income he has been making from it.

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At the age of 65, Sah believes that flower farming, including Marigold, is more profitable than traditional agriculture. He has been selling flowers worth more than 200,000 rupees annually. Sah said that market demand has never been an issue.

Sah says, ‘Traders come directly to my field to buy flowers, and they offer a reasonable price.’ He said marigold flowers from his farm are supplied to Kathmandu, Janakpur, Birgunj, and Pokhara.

Hindus offer this flower in temples and use it to make garlands. It is widely used in religious festivals and ceremonies.

The flower belongs to the genus Tagetes. Tagetes erecta (African Marigold) and Tagetes patula (French Marigold) are the popular flower species.